Disclaimer: "J.K. Rowling is the Keeper of the Keys to all of Harry Potter. None may force entry." The English translation for that would be, "J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter. No one else can."
Comments
XiaoGui: Yeah, I felt really sorry for Severus in Chapter 3. He does a lot for Dumbledore and the Order, and I guess he's just overworking himself. Poor him!
excessivelyperky: That is a very good point. Will Dumbledore's concern for Severus stay the same, or will he become more worried about Harry once he finds out? Well, I would totally ruin the story if I told you now, so you gotta wait! Also, I agree with you (but only a little) that Dumbledoresomewhat risks Severus' life asking him to spy for the Order. He knows that Severus is putting himself in great danger to help the Light. But I alsothink Dumbledore is very confident in Severus' capabilities. Dumbledore would not purposely throw Snape's life away if he knew that Voldemort found out that the Potions Master is a spy. And you have to give the headmaster a little credit; he's only human! And who'sto say that Voldemort catches everything? Dumbledore had a true, loyal Death Eater roaming through the castle in Harry's fourth year, so Voldemort is also likely to not know about Snape (especially since he's a superb Occlumens).
Kee: Oh Kee, don't cry! I'll keep updating, and I'll try to do it everyday!
ADandMM4eva: I updated now! Enjoy!
Q-BriarXJade-Q: Yes, I know I'm being terribly evil! I'm sorry! It's not because of writer's block, I promise! I actually intended for the story to be this way (Sorry if it's making you mad!). You will find out the main reason for Severus' problems in Chapter 6 (I think). His role as a spy also plays a big factor (You'll see what I mean), but Chapter 6 will make everything clearer, I promise!
Rikki8879: Yeah, Snape in the series is the "mean old man from the dungeons," but I do believe that he can have a softer side (It's just hidden behind all his suffering). And yes, Severus is just so cuddly in this story!
Quill of Minerva: Yes, poor Severus! And yes, I also love stories where Minerva is slightly unsure of herself. I also think that simple gesture stories are the best!
Thanks to all my reviewers, you are all truly wonderful! This chapter has some moreimplied ADMM, but the real ADMM doesn't come until later chapters. Please be patient!
saiyanwizardgurl
Chapter 4: Problems
Minerva McGonagall strode down the dungeon corridors, completely lost in thought. She was worried about Severus Snape's condition. She had lain in bed for an hour thinking about Albus and the look on his face when he saw the Potions Master in the bathroom. She did not want the headmaster to have to worry about something else in addition to his already massive workload, but she could not help but feel his concern for Snape. Even though their houses' rivalry often caused them to bicker for days on end, McGonagall felt that she and the Potions Master had built some kind of friendship, and she was worried about her friend. She had no idea why Snape had been such a wreck the night before, but she wanted to help him in any way she could. And Albus. She wanted to help him, too. She was afraid he would be spotted by Dolores in the castle, and she wanted to prevent that from happening. For she had realized what that the warm, pleasant feeling she felt in her heart whenever he looked at her was. She finally admitted to herself that, for many years, she had a crush on the greatest wizard of the age. She did not know how he would react to a love confession at the moment, so she decided to keep it secret for now.
Before she knew it, she was standing in front of the Potions Master's office. Opening the door, she strode quickly past the many shelves of jars and books to Snape's rooms. She silently opened the door. The room was as dark as it had been last night, but she could see the small lump under the covers that was Severus Snape and a tall, thin figure sitting in a chair that could only be…
"My, Minerva, you're up early," said Albus Dumbledore.
"I could say the same about you," said the witch, drawing up a chair next to the headmaster. He smiled at her, and she noticed the dark rings around his eyes. "Did you sleep at all, Albus?" she asked, putting her hand up and bringing his head to rest on her shoulder.
Dumbledore closed his eyes and sighed. "No," he mumbled.
It was McGonagall's turn to sigh. "Honestly, Albus," she said as she stroked his hair, "you're going to kill yourself if you're not careful."
"Don't worry about me."
"But I do worry about you! I know this year hasn't been easy for you. It hasn't been easy for me. And I'm certainly not looking forward to this year's career advice sessions."
"Why not? You've always loved talking to students about their desired future careers."
"I loved doing that until I found out that Dolores will be sitting in on every session."
"Oh. I see your point."
"I'm looking least forward to Harry's session. Albus, do you realize that Dolores is going to try and tear him apart? He's capable of so many things, and I don't want him to be limited only to what she thinks he can do."
"I know, Minerva, but I wouldn't worry too much about Harry. He already seems to care less what Dolores thinks."
"That's not the point! Do you realize how many detentions he has received from her?"
"Twenty-seven."
"That's exactly right! Hey, how do you know that?"
"It seems that you are not the only one who's counting."
"Oh. Well anyway, Harry and the other Gryffindors aren't doing too well putting up with her class. Many of them have come to me and complained. Miss Granger was very stern when she stressed how abysmal her classes are."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good. At least they're not falling for her antics. What about the other students?"
"Various other Gryffindors have come to me. Many of the Ravenclaws have come to Filius, and Pomona was telling me how a few Hufflepuff fifth and sixth years came to her. Most of the Slytherins aren't complaining, of course. I'm sure you're aware of the reason why?"
"Yes, I am. I am also aware that you said most of the Slytherins aren't complaining."
"Well, she doesn't favor them all. A Slytherin fourth year came up to me after one of my classes last week and asked me if there was anything I could do. I'm sure you could imagine my shock."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, I would have loved to see your face after that one. But I'm glad that there are some Slytherins willing to stand up for their education. They really are smarter than the rest of the school makes them out to be."
"There are some particularly bright Slytherin students, but I wouldn't go as far as saying they're all smarter than we make them out to be. Because, no offense, but look at Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle; Draco Malfoy prances them around the school as if they were his thug bodyguards. If they were smart enough, they would make better friends."
"Now Minerva, just because you aren't fond of Lucius doesn't mean you have to go and insult his son."
"Albus, I can see Lucius in Draco! My utter dislike for the boy has sprouted because his father is rubbing off on him, and I don't like it. Mr. Malfoy is another talented student, and if he keeps going in the same direction, his talent is sure to be wasted!"
"But you don't let your feelings get in the way of your teaching, do you?"
"Of course not, Albus! Who knows what would happen if I did that! The Slytherins would start an uproar. Severus is the only one here who can get away with expressing his favoritism for his house during his lessons."
The headmaster smiled. "True. I can't argue with you there."
Suddenly, they heard a small groan. Dumbledore opened his eyes and took his head of McGonagall's shoulder. Even in the darkness, they could see the small lump under the covers begin to stir.
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